ISLAMABAD, Nov 6: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday promised normal life to children who had become disabled in the October 8 earthquake, saying the government would do whatever it could to ensure a bright future for them.

“Children are an asset to the country and the government will bear all expenses to get artificial limbs for those who had undergone amputation due to severe injuries,” he said during a visit to a medical camp for quake-hit children, supported by Bali Medical Care.

The prime minister, after visiting Muzaffarabad and Bagh early in the day to spend Eid with the survivors, went straight to Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad where hundreds of children are being provided medical treatment.

At the complex, he attended a function organized by volunteers to share Eid happiness with the families, traumatized by the worst-ever calamity in the country’s history.

Mr Aziz was particularly concerned for those children whose limbs — mostly arms and legs — were amputated after they had developed gangrene.

“I assure you that everybody will get artificial limbs. They (children) all will be able to once again use their hands and stand on their feet,” he said.

Later, talking to reporters, the prime minister said the government was in contact with Turkey, the United Kingdom and many other countries to get artificial limbs manufactured with latest technology.

He said three centres, one each at Mansehra, Muzaffarabad and Islamabad, would be established to provide these artificial limbs to the quake-affected people. “The government will bear all the expanses,” he added.

The prime minister said the devastation had also psychologically affected many people and the government would soon start a programme for their counselling to bring them back to normal life.

The prime minister, who offered Eid prayers at a tentage village set up in H-11 for the quake survivors, flew to Muzaffarabad and later to Bagh to spend the day with the affected people.

“People we met are very grateful to the entire nation and they are moved that everyone instead of celebrating was spending time and sharing Eid festivities with them,” he said.

Mr Aziz also distributed cheques for Rs25,000 to help people repair their houses. He said the people responded very positively to the government move as it would help them stay in their ancestral houses. He said the government was trying its best to provide shelter to everyone by the end of November.

“This is a trying time for the country but together we will overcome challenges posed by the calamity,” he said, adding that “the common spirit which I have seen today is a source of strength for the entire nation and it will take us forward and also help bring affected people back to normal life”.— APP